Journalism
Program Description
Journalism is a unique form of communication because it uses storytelling to present the news and its journalists who are the storytellers and historians that help people make sense of the events happening in the world around them. The journalism program at MSJC has many opportunities for engagement, learning, and storytelling. The Talon student newspaper is an exciting part of the program and provides you with hands-on journalistic experience while allowing you to become more involved at MSJC and within your community. Within the Journalism program, you will learn what it takes to be an effective writer and journalist, learn how to do interviews, and learn how to create stories in print and in digital format. Careers in journalism are endless and range from lawyer, journalist, film critic, sportswriter, and publicist to public relations, advertising, news anchor, and social media editor.
Transfer Preparation
MSJC offers a wide range of course work that prepares students for the workforce or for transfer to four-year colleges and universities. All four-year institutions prescribe their own standards for course evaluation and admissions. Courses that fulfill major requirements for an associate degree in a program at MSJC might not be the same as those required for transfer into a similar major at a four-year university. Please meet with a Counselor to confirm transfer requirements.
Transfer students are advised to do research on prospective majors and careers. The MSJC Transfer Center and MSJC catalog can be helpful tools. Students interested in transferring to CSU’s or UC’s can access major preparation by visiting ASSIST. All students are advised to meet with a counselor at least once a semester to create or update their comprehensive education plan.
- Demonstrate news judgment that identifies and develops story ideas through observation, reading, and attention to global and local events.
- Methodically find information through the Internet, public documents, and personal interviews. Assess, analyze, and interpret the quality of information gathered for news stories.
- Create concise, clear, and accurate writing that engages the audience with engaging storytelling. Then, critically evaluate their own work and that of others for accuracy and fairness, clarity, appropriate style, and grammatical correctness.
- Develop cultural competence by understanding how different cultures influence perspectives, attitudes, and personal interaction with the world. Discover and utilize ethical standards and constitutional laws that guide journalism excellence.
- Utilize media literacy to navigate through a rapidly changing media world, understanding media’s influence on society, community and the democratic process, and also integrate the power of image in shaping society’s understanding of the world.
Discover in-demand careers and education options based on your interests! See the list of careers below or explore further by searching for Careers or Programs.
Note: There are no guaranteed positions for students completing these programs. Education and work experience required will vary by employer. The salary and benefits for specific occupations will be dependent on work experience, education, background, and employer. Labor market statistics are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Census Bureau, O-NET, EMSI.
| Career/Industries | CA Annual Median Salary or Range | Employment Demand or Opening CA |
|---|---|---|
| Media Programming Directors (SM, A, B) | $112,199 | 5,769 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists (SM, B) | $48,926 | 626 |
| Writers and Authors (SC, A, B) | $74,186 | 3,039 |
(degree required: SM some college, C: Certificate, A: Associate degree, B: Bachelor’s degree, M: Master’s degree, D: Doctorate)